It was quite an experience. Yesterday the newspaper focused on
our group haaving 'broad smiles' during the arraignment and snapping
photos in front of the court house after. I felt that had a nasty
undertone to it so wrote this LTTE today. Hope they print it.

I'd like to respond to Karen Jeffrey's 4/20 article about Cape Codders for Peace and Justice arraignment at the Barnstable Court House . She writes we wore 'broad smiles' while being arraigned, and took photos of ourselves after leaving court. Oh you bet we did.

First of all they were smiles of relief as two of the six arrested for trespassing by sitting in Congressman Delahunt's office had declined bail as a matter of principle. We had been told the two peace activists had been transported to the courthouse in handcuffs and ankle shackles. Those of us who opted for bail were very relieved to see our friends, true patriots and heroines had made it through the night in jail okay.

As for the shackles,we understand it is standard protocol and the police were just doing their jobs, I'd also like to take this moment to state that the Barnstable Police force were very professional and I'm proud to know they are protecting us.

Also one does not take the step of committing civil disobediance lightly. Inaccessability to and lack of communication from our elected leaders is just unimaginable in the United States of America. Especially in frightening times such as these where we see our civil liberties eroding daily. What else can one do without stepping outside of normal methods when 5 months of continued legal means of communication such as letters, phone calls, and petitions don't get a single response? The average AMerican no longer feels the system is working.

When hard working members of the community, tax payers, with jobs and families put their butts on the line to fight to get our troops out of the quagmire that is Iraq, and are willing to go to jail for preserving democracy- well you better believe we felt good about what we had done. I've included a copy of the photo we snapped of our group in front of the courthouse. This isn't just fun and games folks- this is our very democracy at risk.



btw- here is one of us in the reception area of Delahunts office


SO....
Looks like we are going to have a reunion in Crawford this August! YEA!
Miss you, and Dan, Kat, DA, FrictionlessO, (who you still need to meet)
Tsuki/RaginArcadian- You guys give me strength
Peace and Love